Taking Death Read Online Free PDF

Jon. "I was hoping you were going to make it. I know you don't like this artist, but I appreciate that you came here for me."
    She kissed him lightly on the lips. "I did come here for you. I have some news, but I'll share later."
    "Good news?"
    "Very good news."
    "I have a few people for you to meet."
    "Sure thing."
    She was used to Jon showing her off in a sense. At first she'd balked, but he loved her and was proud of her being in his life. That was how he explained it.
    Donna followed him around as he introduced her to some very rich people. Part of her eyed their jewelry while trying not to be obvious. She didn't have another job lined up.
    Dating Jon had opened up so many avenues for her. She dines in some of the finest restaurants in the city. Jon had even taken her to see an opera. He also introduced her to a better clientele to steal from.
    She wondered what he would think of that?
    The night finally ended and Jon locked the gallery front door behind the artist who left last. He turned to Donna who stood taking in the quiet and the art. A peaceful moment after the hubbub of the party.
    "Good night?"
    "I think so. What did the artist think?"
    "He sold a bunch of things and he wants to book his next show?"
    Jon walked towards her. He took her hand, leading her to the middle of the floor.
    "That's good for him and you."
    He kissed her. "Wait here."
    "Huh?"
    He strode towards the back room. "Wait here, I said."
    So sh e did. The only lights still on were the ones over the display. She knew from closing the gallery with Jon that he still had to pull down a gate over the front window. And when he turned off the switch for the display lights, a security light would come on.
    A passerby could see into the gallery, but not clearly enough to know what was worth stealing. Of course she'd already checked it out, not that she had an intention of stealing from Jon.
    He returned with one of his hands behind his back.
    "I have something for you."
    She smiled. He always had little gifts for her.
    But then he went down on one knees."
    "What?"
    Her mouth hung open as he brought his hand up for her to see the small box. "Open it."
    She took it from him, her hands shaking. Opening it, she gasped. In it sat a diamond ring. It had a large diamond with several smaller ones around it. He took the box from her hand, then slid the ring on her finger.
    "Donna, will you marry me?"
    She knew the answer with all of her being. As if she'd known him all her life or that he was the other half of her. "Yes."
    A giant grin broke out on Jon's face as he rose to kiss her. "You've made me the happiest man on earth."
    ***
    Donna lay awake in bed after Jon had fallen asleep. Small snores emanated from him.
    She made a major decision. Tonight had been her last theft. Her raise would help her with finances and charity. Besides, Jon made a boatload of money that she could use for good purposes.
    Tomorrow she'd see her fence and let him know she was done.
    Not tomorrow. No, she thought. After he sold her last theft, she'd tell him.
    "You okay?" Jon said.
    He started her out of her reverie. "Couldn't be better. Just going through details."
    "Of c ourse you would." He chuckled.
    "Well there are a lot of them to a wedding. Including the date we have to pick."
    He rolled over and rested his arm across her. "Right now? At three in the morning we have to pick a date?"
    "No, but there are other details to work out."
    He kissed the side of her face. "In the morning. You'll have my undivided attention. Go to sleep."
    She snuggled closer to him, liking the feel of his warm, masculine body next to hers. Liking that she'd wake up every morning with him next to her from now on.
    ***
    Having sublet her apartment, Donna moved in with Jon. She brought all of her clothes and personal items, but left the furniture behind. She liked his style and his stuff was in better shape.
    On her way home from work the next week, she'd stopped by to see her fence for one last time. Now the